Statement by Ambassador Tacan İldem, Permanent Representative of Turkey, in Response to the Report of Ambassador Janina Hrebickova, Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, at the 984th Permanent Council

Tacan İLDEM 20.02.2014

Thank you Mr. Chairperson,

I join the previous speakers in welcoming Ambassador Hrebickova in her first appearance before the Permanent Council in her capacity as the Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro. Let me also express our thanks for her comprehensive presentation.

I would like to state our appreciation for the result oriented and fruitful cooperation between the Mission and the Montenegrin authorities as well as for the successful activities that the Mission conducts in all dimensions. Since the presentation of the Mission’s last report to the Permanent Council in 2013, Montenegro has continued along the path of democratic reforms while maintaining political and social stability, while facing a number of economic and political challenges. I do, however, wish to highlight the progress in the field of rule of law and election legislation as a development worthy of our praise.

As a country providing personnel to policing activities in Montenegro for the last eight years, we have read with satisfaction in the report that the police reform is at an advanced phase in numerous areas. Turkey is ready to further contribute to the effective capacity building of the Montenegrin Police.

We are pleased to see the concrete results of the MONDEM program that assists Montenegro in the safe destruction of obsolete ammunition. As one of the donors of the program, Turkey supports these efforts as well as Montenegro’s comprehensive approach to SALW control and reduction.

Montenegro has been playing a constructive role in issues pertaining to regional reconciliation. We appreciate the steps that Montenegro has taken to strengthen its relations with its neighbors. Turkey, with its longstanding policy of supporting the sustainable peace and stability in South East Europe, is determined to deepen the already high level bilateral relations with Montenegro.

In conclusion we thank Ambassador Hrebickova and her able team for their hard work. Montenegro has made significant progress to which the OSCE Mission has made considerable contributions. We reaffirm our belief that this progress will continue and wish every success for the Mission’s future work.